Australia has had a decidedly bad history when it comes to its relationship with its Aboriginal communities. Perhaps the most egregious example of this is the Stolen Generation, a nearly century-long policy of forcibly relocating Aboriginal children to institutions to make them more "Australian." At best, this policy translated into horribly misguided kidnappings and incarceration, no matter how well-intentioned the motives were; at worst, it was genocide.
Previous administrations have refused to apologize to the Stolen Generation, citing the aforementioned good intentions of those who perpetrated these crimes. When Kevin Rudd's party was elected to lead the country, he promised to make the apology.
Today, in Canberra, in front of parliament, he made his apology and admitted that what was done to the Stolen Generation was wrong. He was greeted by a standing ovation.
Bravo, Kevin Rudd. May other political leaders around the world learn from your example.
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